What you need to know

An enhanced driver’s licence is a western hemisphere travel initiative compliant document that acts as proof of identity and citizenship when traveling to the United States by road or water. A valid passport is still required to enter the United States by air.

Photos

The picture on your photo I.D. must be:

completely visible

free of any obstructions

a neutral expression

Head wear worn for religious or medical reasons can be worn, but must not cover any part of your face.

You may be asked to remove any head or face wear (e.g., eyeglasses) when taking a photo for government-issued identification.

Renewing an enhanced driver’s licence

The enhanced driver’s licence is valid for 5 years. It must be renewed every 5 years by booking at appointment for renewal at a ServiceOntario centre that offers the service.

You will receive a renewal reminder with a renewal form 2 to 3 months before it expires.

To renew, you will need to visit a ServiceOntario centre that offers enhanced driver’s licence services and:

complete the renewal form included in the renewal reminder or available at a ServiceOntario centre

fill out a renewal questionnaire available at a ServiceOntario centre

pay the renewal fee of $40 plus the cost of renewing a driver’s licence (and any other fee or fine applied to you)

A temporary driver’s licence will be issued to you for use until your new enhanced driver’s licence arrives by secure delivery. You may also choose to pick it up at a ServiceOntario centre. A temporary driver’s licence cannot be used for entry into the United States.